Circular & Self-Amplifying RNA Are Redefining RNA Therapeutics — Here’s What’s Coming in 2026
New year. New data. New RNA rules.
As we step into 2026, circular RNA (circRNA) and self amplifying RNA (saRNA) have moved from intriguing next generation concepts to clinically validated, industry backed therapeutic platforms. With first in human data emerging, new IND clearances logged, and biopharma investment accelerating, the race is officially on to unlock the full potential of these durable, scalable, and highly programmable RNA modalities.
That’s exactly why the 5th Circular & Self Amplifying RNA Therapeutics Summit returns to Boston, May 26–28, 2026 — bringing together the world’s most advanced circRNA and saRNA innovators across discovery, engineering, preclinical, translational, regulatory, and BD functions.
If you're working at the forefront of RNA innovation, this is your roadmap for the year ahead.
Why 2026 Marks a Turning Point for circRNA & saRNA
Across biopharma, circRNA and saRNA have rapidly evolved from niche R&D topics into top priority platforms. Three forces are driving this:
1. Clinical Validation Is Finally Here
The world’s first FDA cleared circular RNA drug entering Phase I
First in human data for saRNA vaccines validating potency with low doses
IND clearances for circRNA therapeutics in cardiology and ischemic disease
Expanding regulatory confidence as agencies begin to develop clearer pathways
The message is clear: circRNA and saRNA have crossed from theoretical to therapeutically real.
2. Delivery & AI Innovation Are Accelerating Progress
RNA delivery — once the biggest bottleneck — is undergoing a renaissance.
Breakthroughs in:
- Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) engineering
- Targeted extrahepatic delivery
- Peptide based and novel non LNP vectors
- AI optimized sequence design and circularization efficiency
- Trans amplifying RNA architectures to improve manufacturability
…are enabling more durable expression, lower doses, lower immunogenicity, and new tissue destinations including CNS, lungs, heart, and tumors.
This combination of intelligent design and targeted delivery is opening entirely new therapeutic use cases.
3. Biopharma Investment & Strategic Partnerships Are Surging
From multimillion dollar partnerships to high value acquisitions, major players are betting big on next generation RNA:
Pharma partnerships are expanding saRNA into new disease areas
Venture backed startups are pioneering in vivo CAR T, metabolic disease applications, and novel circRNA architectures
Delivery tech collaborations are aiming to break the liver tropism barrier
AI enabled discovery alliances are accelerating candidate selection
Demand for strategic collaborations, platform licensing, and BD conversations has never been higher. Companies are hungry to connect.
... And that's where we come in - Introducing the 5th Circular & Self Amplifying RNA Therapeutics Summit
May 26–28, 2026 | Boston, MA
The only industry meeting 100% dedicated to circRNA and saRNA therapeutics.
While most RNA conferences still focus on first generation modalities (siRNA, RNAi, mRNA), this summit is built exclusively for teams advancing next generation RNA platforms.
This year’s event brings together the industry’s leading experts from biotech, pharma, and academia – including pioneers in:
- Circular RNA engineering
- Self amplifying & self replicating RNA
- Next gen delivery systems
- In vivo CAR T programming
- AI/ML enhanced RNA design
- IND readiness & regulatory strategy
If you’re designing, engineering, scaling, or translating circRNA or saRNA therapeutics, this is the most relevant gathering of 2026.
Find out more in our Full Event Guide.
Or, if you’re ready to secure your place, sign up here.
Explore the Agenda
Dive into data-driven sessions tackling durability, delivery, immunogenicity, and IND readiness for circular and self-amplifying RNA.
Partner With Us
Connect with RNA developers actively seeking solutions across discovery, delivery, manufacturing, and regulatory strategy.
Join Biopharma Experts
Network with the scientists and leaders shaping the next wave of RNA medicines beyond linear mRNA.